Bermuda Break Sint Maarten Resistance to Secure Vital Victory
IslandStats.com
Bermuda 2 Sint Maarten 0
Bermuda have ignited their regional qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Sint Maarten at the Costa Rican Football Federation Field in Alajuela. Following a high-scoring opening draw against Trinidad and Tobago, the young Gombey Warriors displayed a more clinical defensive edge to secure three points and move into a strong position in Group E.
Bermuda’s Starting Line-Up: - Daniel Powell, Nayan Grant, Emeer Peets, Logan Jimenez, Khari Shareef, Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, Michari Tear-De Leon, Malachai Belboda, Kalen Brunson - Substitutes - Curtis Jackson, David martin, Dakari Smith-Davis, D’ari Coddington, Blayz Borgesson, Kennahz Fray, James Morrison, Qur’an Raynor, Isai Gibbons, Daqaio Stewart
The encounter began as a tactical stalemate, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough during a goalless first half. Bermuda, led by a backline featuring Daniel Powell and Logan Jimenez, remained disciplined against a Sint Maarten side playing their third match of the competition. Despite the early deadlock, Bermuda’s midfield quartet of Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, Michari Tear-De Leon, and Malachai Belboda began to dictate the tempo as the match progressed into the second period.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 69th minute courtesy of a well-executed set-piece. Donawa, who had been a creative spark throughout the afternoon, delivered a pinpoint free kick into the heart of the penalty area. DeRoza read the flight of the ball perfectly, ghosting past his marker to turn the ball home and hand Bermuda a deserved 1–0 lead.
Sint Maarten pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Bermuda’s bench provided the necessary fresh legs to see out the contest. The victory was made safe in the first minute of stoppage time following a rapid counter-attack. Kalen Brunson unleashed a powerful strike that the Sint Maarten goalkeeper could only parry into the danger zone. Substitute Kennahz Fray was the quickest to react, poaching the rebound to double the advantage and spark celebrations on the Bermudian bench.
The result marks a significant step forward for the squad as they continue their journey in Costa Rica, with the focus now shifting toward their upcoming fixtures as they aim to secure the top spot in the group.
Friday, February 27, 2026
Bermuda Women’s Team Inspire Next Generation Ahead Clash
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The Bermuda Women’s National Team has taken a break from their rigorous training schedule to inspire the island’s youth, visiting local schools to share their journeys and celebrate the pioneers of the women’s game.
The Bermuda Women’s National Team stopped at Dellwood Middle School and Mount Saint Agnes Academy, using the platform to connect with students through sport and storytelling. At Dellwood, a special assembly saw players recount their personal paths to the national shirt, emphasizing resilience and discipline.
The visit wasn't just about talk; the team hosted a high-energy juggling competition, challenging students to match their technical flair. However, the emotional centerpiece of the afternoon came when the squad presented a signed national jersey to Ms. Alicia Zuill. Widely regarded as the matriarch of Bermudian women’s football, Zuill was the primary architect behind the establishment of the island’s first women’s league.
The outreach continued at Mount Saint Agnes Academy, where a contingent led by head coach Naquita Robinson and assistant Calvin Dill Jr. traded the tactics board for storybooks. The coaches and players spent time reading to younger students, highlighting the importance of balancing academic pursuits with athletic dreams.
The school visits serve as a final community push before the team returns to competitive action. Bermuda will take to the pitch on March 3rd at the Flora Duffy South Field, with kick-off scheduled for 7 pm.
The Bermuda Football Association has reported that tickets, available via GPASS.bm, are moving rapidly. With the Bermuda Women’s National Team currently enjoying a wave of local support, officials are urging fans to secure their spots early to witness what promises to be a pivotal night for the national program.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Concacaf Unveils Overhaul to Tournaments & Olympic Pathways
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Concacaf has announced a comprehensive revamp of its Youth National Team competitions calendar for the 2026–2029 cycle, introducing annual tournaments and streamlined qualification routes to the world stage. The move follows the recent release of the senior men's and women's calendars, aiming to provide consistent international experience for the region's rising stars.
The Confederation will maintain tournaments across three age groups for both men and women, serving as the official pathway to FIFA Youth World Cups. However, the structure of these events is set for a significant transformation.
The Shift to Annual Under-16 Competition
In a major departure from the previous biennial format, Concacaf will replace its Under-15 competitions with annual Under-16 tournaments. While 2026 will serve as a transition year, the new annual cycle officially begins in 2027.
These qualifiers, slated for August and September, will feature nations ranked 9th through 41st. Divided into eight groups, the winner of each group will secure a spot in the redesigned Under-17 Qualifiers, joining the region's top eight ranked teams.
Revamped Under-17 World Cup Path
The new-look Concacaf Under-17 Qualifiers will launch in 2027 with a streamlined 16-team format held every February. The competition structure for these 16 teams involves four groups of four in a round-robin format.
Men’s Pathway: The group winners and runners-up—eight teams in total—will qualify directly for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Women’s Pathway: The four group winners will earn their place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
By 2028, the participants will consist of the top eight ranked Member Associations and the eight group winners from the newly established Under-16 Qualifiers.
Stability for Under-20s and Olympic Stakes
While the younger age groups see radical changes, the Under-20 competitions will remain on their current biennial schedule.
The men’s editions are set for 2026 and 2028, serving as the gateway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Crucially, the 2026 tournament carries added weight, serving as the official qualifying event for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
On the women’s side, the next editions will take place in 2027 and 2029 to determine the regional representatives for their respective FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cups.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Bermuda Women’s National Team Announced
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Bermuda’s Senior Women’s national team is preparing for a landmark occasion as they host their first home match of the Concacaf W Qualifiers at the Flora Duffy South Field on March 3rd.
After opening their campaign with a 4-0 win over the Cayman Islands in November and a subsequent 4-1 loss to Guatemala in December, the squad is eager to bounce back on home soil. However, the headline act for this fixture isn't just the action on the pitch—it’s the historic partnership in the dugout.
In a first for Bermudian football, the national team will be led by a brother-and-sister coaching duo. National coach Naquita Robinson will have her brother, Calvin "Patches" Dill, by her side as assistant coach. Dill, the current head coach of the North Village Rams, brings a wealth of local experience to the international stage as they look to navigate a challenging Group C.
The team will once again be without LeiLanni Nisbeth, who has made herself unavailable for selection. Despite this absence, the squad remains bolstered by international experience, including Kenni Thompson, who currently ranks among the tournament's top assist providers.
The squad also welcomes back to the fold, goalkeeper Kimmisha Perinchief, the squad also welcomes Madison Mobray.
"Playing at home means everything to us," said Coach Naquita Robinson. "Once we hear the supporters and feel their energy, it will remind us of who we represent: our families, the community, and everyone who believes in us."
Bermuda’s Under-20s displayed immense character to rescue a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Trinidad and Tobago, after a late defensive collapse threatened to derail their Concacaf qualifying opener in Alajuela.
Trinidad and Tobago Starting Line-Up: - Bryan Gafiuk, Talan McMillan, Sheridan McNish, Adam Pierre, Jaydon Caprietta; Caden Trestrail, Josiah Ochoa, Colin Joseph, Malachi Webb, Phillip Nelson, Derrel Garcia - Substitutes: - Jadon Paul-Alexander, Sylvon Theophilus, Jeremy Meloney, Lyshaun Morris, Jaden Chan Tack, Josiah Kallicharan, Jadon McShine, Giovanni Hospedales, Dominic Joseph, Chaz Williams - Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - David Martin, Nayan Grant, Emeer Peets, Logan Jimenez, Khari Sharrieff, Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, Michari Tear-De Leon, Kennahz Fray, Harlem Bean-Fox, Kalen Brunson - Substitutes: - Curtis Jackson Jr., Daniel Powell, Dakari Smith-Davis, D’ari Coddington, Blayze Borgesson, Malachai Belboda, James Morrison, Qur'an Raynor, Isai Gibbons, DaQaio Stewart
In the fifth historical meeting between these two nations at this level, Bermuda appeared on course for a statement victory at the Complejo Deportivo FCRF-Plycem.
Following a resilient opening half hour, Jace Donawa broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. The striker showcased his blistering pace to latch onto a searching long ball, outmaneuvering his marker and calmly slotting past the advancing goalkeeper to give Cecoy Robinson’s side a deserved half-time lead.
However, the second half transformed into a test of Bermuda's resolve as the game swung wildly in the final quarter. Two minutes of defensive misfortune appeared to hand the initiative to Trinidad.
In the 78th minute, a moment of hesitation in the Bermuda box resulted in an own goal under intense pressure from the Trinidadian attack. Barely sixty seconds later, the turnaround was complete; a lapse in concentration at the back allowed Trinidad to regain possession directly from the restart and fire home to take a 2–1 lead.
Stunned but not defeated, Bermuda threw bodies forward in search of a late lifeline. It arrived in the 84th minute via substitute James Morrison. Rising highest in the penalty area, Morrison connected with a pinpoint free-kick delivered from deep in the Trinidadian half, looping a powerful header over the outstretched hand of the goalkeeper to level the scores.
The result maintains the historic parity between the two sides, with their head-to-head record now standing at one win apiece and three draws. For Bermuda, participating in their 14th qualification campaign, the point provides a vital platform as they prepare for Saturday's clash with Sint Maarten. With only the group winner progressing to the Championship in July, every moment of resilience like Morrison’s header could prove the difference in the final standings.
